Gerald Analysis

Question 1

“I didn’t install her there to make love to her”

Answer 1

Gerald tries to excuse his actions for the way he was involved with Eva Smith.
The use of the verb “install” gives a sense of intent - though it is left open to the audience to interpret whether they believe him

Question 2

“I became, at once, the most important person in her life”

Answer 2

Gerald attempts to make himself seem like a hero and conveys his own role as supporting and helping Eva.
Audiences would need to take this with a pinch of salt as we are left to work out whether we believe him

Question 3

“Everything’s alright now Sheila. What about this ring?”

Answer 3

Gerald appears to have learnt nothing from the investigation and wishes to return back to normal.
Connects to the theory of eternal occurrence, presenting a cyclical structure to the play - unless people learn and change, history will repeat